Industry

Based at the NCRC, the largest paediatric research centre in Ireland, the Children’s Clinical Research Unit (CCRU) plays a key role in supporting clinical trials and studies at Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) at Crumlin and other paediatric centres.

In existence since 2010, the CCRU has built up substantial experience in the design and conduct of paediatric studies – both academic and commercial. We are acutely aware of the unmet need in children’s health and recognise the critical role that commercial clinical trials play in the development of paediatric medicines and diagnostics.

What we can offer to Industry partners:

The largest centre for paediatric clinical trials in Ireland, the CCRU has the following in place:

A team of staff with a broad range of expertise in paediatric clinical research and clinical trial management, including Study Coordination, Research Nursing, Quality & Regulatory Affairs management, Research Pharmacy, Sample Processing and Management, and Data Management

We understand the challenges associated with paediatric studies, as well as the importance of streamlined study set-up for commercial studies, and offer the following local assistance to study sponsors:

Advisory and consultation service regarding paediatric research and local regulatory requirements

Ireland currently has the highest proportion of young people across the EU Member States (2016) and the highest birth rate.

As the largest paediatric hospital in Ireland, CHI at Crumlin is responsible nationally for the provision of the majority of quaternary and tertiary healthcare services for children. The hospital also provides secondary care for the local catchment area.

The model of health care in Ireland is based around a hub and spoke model where complex paediatric conditions are gathered in centres of expertise. OLCHC is the national referral centre for a range of specialities including

Childhood cancers

Haemostasis and thrombosis

Cardiac diseases

Major burns

Cystic fibrosis

Clinical genetics

Rheumatology

Gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition services.

The centralisation of services for Irish children to one centre increases the potential recruitment pool for clinical studies, particularly for complex conditions.

Sitting at the heart of paediatric research in Ireland, the NCRC supports research into paediatric diseases at a number of locations in Ireland. We work collaboratively as part of an organised network of paediatric centres and are actively connected to many national and international research networks.